What is periodontal therapy and who needs it?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, or gum disease, and requires early detection and treatment to maintain the health of the smile. Dr. Adam Shroyer and his team at Shroyer Family Dental in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is a dedicated dental professional who is ready and willing to help patients of all ages with their dental health needs. Along with his team of professionals, he can educate individuals on their current oral health and provide recommendations for treatment. If you have been diagnosed with any stage of gum disease, you will need to work with a dentist that offers periodontal therapy.
Understanding periodontal disease and how to treat it
Gum disease is actually an infection of the gums that can progress and damage the bone supporting your teeth. Gingivitis, referred to as the first stage of gum disease, is caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If not removed, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As tartar accumulates below the gum line, it causes irritation and inflammation of the gums. This can lead to bleeding gums, which is often one of the first signs of gingivitis.
If gingivitis is not appropriately treated, it can advance to periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when tartar and plaque cause the breakdown of the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Risk factors for periodontal disease
There are several risk factors that might increase the chance of developing gum disease, including:
- Smoking or using other tobacco products
- Poor oral hygiene
- Crooked teeth that are difficult to clean
- A history of periodontal disease within your family
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Hormonal changes in women (such as during pregnancy or menopause)
- Certain medications (like steroids, cancer therapy drugs, and calcium channel blockers)
- HIV/AIDS and other conditions that weaken the immune system
What treatment do I need for periodontal disease?
The best treatment for a patient’s gum disease depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases, a simple professional cleaning may be all that is needed to control the infection. More advanced cases may require scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning) followed by periodontal surgery.
Periodontal therapy can help you maintain your oral health and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums!
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, periodontal disease, or gingivitis, it is important that you act fast to bring the smile back to health. Call Dr. Shroyer and his team in Mount Pleasant, IA, at (319) 385-4680 to schedule a consultation visit at 217 East Monroe Street. Our team is pleased to work with patients of all ages, including those who are new to our facility.